A qualified carer runs a structured program for students which includes play, breakfast or afternoon tea, reading, homework and physical activity.

Across Perth costs vary from $12 a session to $60 a day during holidays. Harrison Dolling, 6, attends before and after-school care at Scotch most days as his parents Serena and Andrew work full-time.

“We both have full work lives yet at the same time we’ve got to make sure our kids are looked after, having fun and learning, so the fact there is after-school care is a big plus for us,” Mr Dolling said.

“It also gives Harrison an extra dimension as he plays with older kids which builds confidence in a fun and safe environment.”

OSHClub, one of the bigger providers in WA, has increased the number of its centres from 50 to 114 in five years. Senior regional operations manager Tanya Powell said the biggest driver was financial situations requiring both parents to work to support the household.

“The emerging gig economy also makes working hours much less predictable which means parents need greater access to flexible and ad hoc care arrangements for their kids, particularly before and after school,” she said.